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Review of Mr. Shifty on Xbox One

by Gemma Looksby Gemma Looksby photo Aug 2017
Cover image of Mr. Shifty on Xbox One
Gamefings Score: 7
Platform: Xbox One Xbox One logo
Released: 04 Aug 2017
Genre: Beat 'em up
Developer: Team Shifty
Publisher: TinyBuild

Introduction

Meet Mr. Shifty, a man who thinks sneaking into a skyscraper to steal plutonium is just a casual Thursday evening. Why? Because he has a teleportation ability that makes him the most elusive thief since your last game save. This game promises frantic beat-em-up action with a delightful sprinkle of chaos. Sounds like a party, doesn't it? Grab some popcorn, and let's dive into this surprisingly refreshing mix of 'Hotline Miami' and 'The Matrix'!

Gameplay

In Mr. Shifty, you'll be navigating a top-down perspective, which makes it easier to immerse yourself in the chaos. Our boy Shifty moves from room to room, battling dozens of enemies (because, hey, what's a heist without a little brawl?!) with the audacious plan to snag that mega-plutonium core. Quite frankly, for something as dangerous-scientific as plutonium, it sounds like a good time, doesn't it? Shifty's claim to fame is his teleportation ability. This is not your average 'Oh hey, I might just go get a snack and be back in a flash' superpower. No, no, this ability allows Shifty to glide effortlessly through enemies, bounce off walls, and dodge projectiles like he's auditioning for 'Dancing with the Stars: Underworld Edition.' He can teleport a few meters ahead, but beware - if you shift too often, you'll face a harsh cooldown. Think of it as your mom telling you to stop playing video games and do your chores! As you slice and dice your way through hordes of guards wielding enough firepower to start a small revolution, you'll need to make use of melee weapons scattered throughout the levels. There's nothing quite like fist-fighting a guard only to pick up a flaming stick or a shotty and thinking, 'Ha! Your turn to feel the burn!' Enemies come charging at you with everything from shotguns to more refined weaponry like flamethrowers, so don't get too cozy! Completing rooms requires either dispatching all threats or figuring out how to sneak past them without becoming the star of a new 'Shifty' instant-fail TikTok compilation. Each unsuccessful attempt comes with a delightful error that resets the whole room. It's a bit like being stuck in a time loop but without the philosophical musings and with more explosions. What's even cooler? When you start racking up kills, you'll trigger 'Slow-Mo' mode. Time to channel your inner Neo and watch as bullets fire towards you. Shoot, dodge, repeat! It's the chaotic symphony that keeps the adrenaline pumping. So if you have a penchant for flashy teleportation, enjoying twitch-reflex combat, and making sure your enemies focus on the afterlife rather than being a thorn in your side, Mr. Shifty feels like your new best friend, despite the fact that Shifty is shockingly silent throughout tight moments (more character development, please!).

Graphics

Graphics in Mr. Shifty are a pixelated dream that feels more like a love letter to the 2D games of yesteryear than a cry for aesthetic help. It's colorful without being too nauseating, resembling that psychedelic art your eccentric aunt tries to push at family gatherings. One thing's for sure, the environments are filled with distinct flavors, from the dim-lit corridors of Olympus Tower to the bright flashes of chaos everywhere you look. The character designs capture a quirky vibe; each enemy looks cartoonishly evil like they'd rather be organizing a bake sale than at this level of danger. Seriously, you'll catch yourself laughing more than focusing, and sometimes irony feels more valuable than plutonium.

Conclusion

In the grand scheme of beat 'em ups, does Mr. Shifty reinvent the wheel? Maybe not. It admittedly wears some influences like a badge of honor. Still, watching Shifty teleport through a room, taking down guards while trying to achieve that elusive 'perfect run' is where the game shines. It's a must-try for those looking for a dose of chaos and delightful humor amid the frantic madness. If you enjoy a good brawl where you can dodge bullets and unleash absolute havoc, pencil Mr. Shifty into your gaming schedule - just keep a first-aid kit nearby because, trust me, you'll need it with all the "oops, not today" moments. This game is more enjoyable than an all-you-can-eat pizza buffet. So grab your controller, teleport in, and unleash your inner ninja-thief-savant - Shifty style!

See Latest Prices for Mr. Shifty on Xbox One on Amazon

See Prices for Mr. Shifty on Xbox One on Ebay

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